Posts Tagged ‘Shopkick’

Shopkick, the check-in app with a twist, is now available for Android. It had previously only been available on iPhone or 3G iPad.

What is Shopkick? Simply put, it is a check-in service that rewards you for being in a participating store. You can read my earlier posts about the service here. I’ve been waiting for it to make it to Android, and today it has arrived.

Best Buy is one of the more notable early adopters of the app, and Target joined up this week. Shopkick works differently than Foursquare or Gowalla, in that it checks you in automatically when you are in a participating store, and it is harder to cheat the system. The app does this by picking up a subtle audio signal and automatically checking you in. Shopkick rewards you simply for shopping. Additional rewards can be earned by scanning certain products.

You can download the app (from your Android phone) here or use the QR code below.

I went to Best Buy tonight and figured I would take the opportunity to test out Shopkick while I was there. I took the iPad I am testing out into the store with me and tried to check in. No dice. I was told I needed to connect to the internet. I looked for a Wi-Fi hotspot, figuring that Best Buy would have one. It didn’t. I was in the Best Buy looking like a total nerd holding an iPad that couldn’t connect to the internet. So much for that test. Evidently you need the iPad with 3G if you want to use Shopkick at Best Buy.

Based on the site, you get points simply for walking into a participating store. There was no mention of an active internet connection. Assuming the product works as advertised, I figure it is possible that my local Best Buy is not participating in the program. I’ll have to look into it.

Shopkick is now available at Apple’s App Store. It will be coming to Android soon as well. What is Shopkick?

“shopkick is the first mobile app that gives you rewards and offers simply for walking into stores. You can collect kickbucks and bonuses at nearly all places around you.”Shopkick

Shopkick offers a number of rewards just for shopping in your local stores. You’ll be able to earn rewards at one of Best Buy’s participating stores, and can earn more rewards by offering your phone number at checkout. Macy’s is going to offer Shopkick rewards soon, as are a number of other retailers. Shopkick points can be redeemed for Best Buy or Sports Authority gift cards, Facbook credits, donations to causes, and more. You don’t have to make a purchase to get points. You just have to physically be inside of a participating retailer. Check-in is automatic and fraud-resistant. You can earn additional points by scanning promotional items with your mobile phone.

The program is scheduled to launch tomorrow. You get a couple of startup “kickbucks” just for installing the app. I see a few retailers near me are participating, so I’ll be swinging by to see just how easy it is to earn points. I imagine you’ll get more mileage out of an iPhone, but I am going to try it out on an iPad too. If you live in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose, New York City or Chicago you get first crack at Shopkick. Additional markets including Dallas, Miami and Minneapolis will be available by October.

If you live in one of the target areas, go ahead and install the app and check it out. You can also go to Shopkick.com to learn more.